Navy To Hold Commanders Responsible For Misconduct Of Junior Officers – CNS

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has warned that henceforth commanders would be held responsible for any misconduct by ratings under them.

A Rating or bluejacket is a junior enlisted member of the navy who is not a warrant or commissioned officer.

Admiral Ete Ibas stated this on Monday during his maiden meeting with Commanders of Forward Operating Bases, Commandants of Naval Hospitals and Schools.

In a statement issued by Suleman Dahun for the Chief of Naval Staff said the CNS also charged the commanders to prioritize training, integrity and teamwork towards sustaining the current levels of operational achievements.

Part of the statement reads: “He warned that the practice of ratings solely bearing the brunt of misconduct would be discontinued, adding that Commanders would be held responsible for the conduct of their men.

“The CNS furthermore informed the commanders that they will be assessed periodically, assigned key performance indicators and would be expected to judiciously and legitimately deploy resources allocated to them. Additionally, the CNS advised the commanders to reinvigorate the Nigerian Navy divisional system towards effective management of men and their welfare,” the statement reads.

While congratulating the newly appointed commanders, commandants and commanding officers, Vice Admiral Ibas seized the opportunity to remind them that their appointment was in recognition of their potentials and enjoined them to strive hard to uphold the image of the Nigerian Navy in all their endeavours.

The CNS further enjoined the commanding officers and commandants to acquaint themselves with the CNS Strategic Directives and relevant Nigerian Navy statutes guiding their various responsibilities.

He also cautioned that the Service would impose severe sanctions for any act of indiscipline, fraud or connivance with criminals in the performance of their duties.